Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would ensure that two major food assistance programs—SNAP (food stamps) and WIC (a nutrition program for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children)—continue operating without interruption if the federal government runs out of regular funding. If Congress fails to pass a normal budget for the Department of Agriculture in 2026, this bill would provide emergency money to keep these programs running and pay any benefits that were missed during a funding gap. **Who It Affects:** The bill directly impacts millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP and WIC benefits, including families with children, pregnant women, and residents of Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
It also affects USDA staff who administer these programs. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced by Democratic Representative Jahana Hayes of Connecticut and is currently in committee review. It has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Keep SNAP and WIC Funded Act of 2025This bill provides FY2026 appropriations for the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to continue operating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and a related block grant program if there is a lapse in FY2026 appropriations for USDA.Specifically, the bill provides appropriations to USDA for any period in which legislation to provide FY2026 interim continuing appropriations or full-year appropriations for USDA has not been enacted. If such a lapse in appropriations occurs, the bill provides the appropriations that are necessary to continueproviding uninterrupted SNAP benefits,providing consolidated block grants to Puerto Rico and American Samoa for nutrition assistance programs, andcarrying out WIC without interruption.In addition, the bill provides appropriations to pay any benefits under these programs that were missed on or after September 30, 2025, and before this bill is enacted.The appropriations for these purposes are available until the earlier of (1) the enactment into law of legislation to provide FY2026 appropriations for USDA (including continuing appropriations), or (2) September 30, 2026. The bill also requires USDA to use the funds provided by this bill to reimburse state agencies for costs that were incurred to carry out these programs during a lapse in appropriations, to the extent that the programs were carried out in accordance with federal law (including regulations) during the lapse.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.